“Bike Riding Is A Way To Explore… A Way To Explore Nature And The World” – Cam Zink
- Date: Monday, June 13, 2022
- Weather: Picture perfect with bright sun and moderate temps again, except for the wind, again!
- Starting Point: Benton, CA
- Departure Time: 0615 pst
- Miles: 83
- Moving Time: 4:35
- Total time: 5:16
- Overnight Location: Tonopah, NV
The ride from Benton, CA to Tonopah, NV can be described as a “Tale of Two rides!”
The ride out of Benton was beautiful. Calm winds, a bit chilly, and no cars. Perfect!
When I saw the sign approach I was excited to be crossing the threshold into another state. A symbolic step closer to fulfilling the dream. Then a wave of sadness came over me. California shared so many experiences and memories in the four plus days we’ve been here. A tale of two rides.
The climb up Montgomery pass was nice—right in my wheelhouse! I enjoyed the climb and the scenery was a fitting payoff, but then I had to pay.
The moment I crested Montgomery Pass the winds made their entrance. Of course, it was a crossing headwind, and it was stiff! A tale of two rides.
The winds were beating me down! Can you tell?
Nothing to stand in their way except sand. Nothing to prevent the sand from pelting me in the face as I worked to keep the crosswind from pushing me into it.
A long stretch of road with no place to rest or hide from the wind behind me.
Another long stretch up the road. When is it going to end?
I was never as happy to make a right turn in my life. The wind direction went from crossing headwind to crossing tailwind—I’ll take it!
Compared to the previous destinations, Tonopah, NV is a thriving metropolis. A ghost town that grew up, but stopped in the 70s. Tonopah came at the end of a nice little climb and is perched on top of a small plateau overlooking the dessert.
Our piece of the world for the night. An open lot without a bit of shade, a blade of grass, or anything to shield the wind I may have mentioned. I hope we like our neighbors. Oh yeah, one question.
Ever have a dust devil whip across your arid RV park and fill your vehicle with sand at a high rate of speed? It’s an interesting experience. I’ll add it to the list.
The DIRT Dad Fundo Day Five is Done and Dusted! Speaking of which, have you had a chance to listen to Episode Five of the Virtual Velo Podcast—A Day in the Life of Zwift Community Live’s Nathan Guerra and Dave Towle? Check it out here.
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Five—Brock Toomey
There are few people in this world that share my passion for giving back and put their time and effort where their mouth is. Brock is that guy to me. He is my right-hand man when it comes to concept, design, and ordering of DIRT Dad Fund merchandise. He is selfless and amazing. I couldn’t do it without him.
Here is what Brock had to say—“I’m an awareness creator…when I get passionate about something, I engage all I have to grow it! I LOVE cycling and DIRT has shown me a huge world of peers I’ve come to develop friendships with…and respect as people. I’m also a fierce competitor and LOVE finding my body’s physical and mental limits, then smashing through them. Best of luck Chris…you’re a serious LEGEND!”
Amount Raised to Date—$1,411
Thank you, Brock!
Now off to Alamo, NV!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
It was a pleasure meeting you and your lovely lady! Big success on your fund raiser, make lots of memories and safe travels🙏
You’re a doll! I’ll be thinking of you and your independent spirit! Thank you 🙏